LR recaps

SOFTBALL: Lakers snap 18-game losing streak, upset Gray-NG 11-2

The last time Casey Heath remembers leaving the Lake Region diamond with a victory was at the end of her sophomore season.

Since then, Lake Region had lost 18 straight softball games.

Heath and her teammates put an end to that string of frustration Monday afternoon with a barrage of hits against highly-regarded Gray-New Gloucester.

Heath went 4-for-4, including a double and the Lakers torched three Patriot pitchers for 12 hits en route to an 11-2 win at home. The Lakers rallied from a 2-1 deficit with a 10-run sixth inning.

“We hit the ball extremely well in our opening game loss to Wells, but unfortunately, most of those hot shots were right at Warrior defenders. We stayed aggressive against Gray’s starter (Steph Greaton) and showed very good plate discipline by not swinging at her high fastball,” Laker first-year head coach Wayne Rivet said. “The girls have worked very hard improving their swings and understanding the strike zone. We stress making contact, and trying to put pressure on the opposing team’s defense. We certainly put it all together in the sixth with all of our hitters putting the ball in play.”

Sixteen players went to bat, producing nine hits.

In the top of the seventh, the Lakers retired the Patriots in order.

“When I heard that the team had lost 18 straight, I couldn’t have been happier for them to finally get a win, especially against a quality team like Gray, which went to the Class B West Finals a year ago,” Coach Rivet said. “We know we were far from perfect, but I like the way they are competing and starting to show some mental toughness if they make a mistake.”

The Lakers (1-1) opened the game by committing two errors, leading to a Patriot run. But, the Lakers evened the game in the home half as Abby Scott-Mitchell walked, advanced on a sharp single by Heath and then scored on an Ashley Clark double.

Gray-NG regained the lead in the third as Zoe Adams singled with two out and scored off an error as the Lakers attempted to throw out a runner stealing second. The Patriots threatened to score in the fourth, but a runner was picked off third base on a laser throw by LR catcher Allison Morse.

“When we had a runner picked off third in the fifth inning, I told the girls it would be a shame if we lost the game because we let some chances slip past us,” Coach Rivet said. “I hoped for a rally in the sixth, but never thought we would put up 10 runs.”

Junior pitcher Ashley Clark twirled a strong outing, recording nine strikeouts while allowing just five hits and two walks.

“Ashley did a great job mixing in a change-up that helped keep their hitters off balance,” Coach Rivet said. “We knew going in that Gray has some explosive hitters (they beat Sacopee 23-0 in their opener), so I thought Ashley did a great job keeping us in the game by making some big pitches at key points.”

Clark went 3-for-4 while Brittany Perreault had two hits, along with a sacrifice bunt, for the Lakers. Other players with hits were: Scott-Mitchell, Morse, Jackie Laurent, Destinee Durant and Samantha Marucci.

Tough start

Wells spent a week in Florida and played eight games during the vacation break. It certainly made a difference in the season opener against the Lakers.

Pitcher Lauren Bame and third baseman Jordan Agger each hit home runs to lead the Warriors to a 12-0 win Saturday.

Bame hit a two-run shot in the first inning, one run being unearned. Agger’s shot was a solo homer in the fourth.

The Warriors collected 11 hits, and broke the game open with a six-run second inning, keyed by an infield error, which resulted in three runs.

Allison Morse went 2-for-2 for the Lakers. Abby Scott-Mitchell, Casey Heath and Samantha Marucci each had a hit.

Next: The Lakers travel to Kennebunk Friday, host Old Orchard Beach on Saturday, travel to Sacopee Valley Monday and host Poland next Wednesday, May 7. All games start at 4 p.m.

BASEBALL: Coach Randy Heath expected his team to be a “little rusty” in the season opener at Wells.

“I’ll say rust was to blame (for the 8-0 loss). We hadn’t played on a field until that game. We just lost our timing fielding as well as hitting. When we hit the ball, we hit it hard right at them,” Coach Heath said.

Wells limited the Lakers to one hit as Benni McMinnis struck out 12. Only two Lakers reached base, one on a hit batsman.

The Lakers fell to 0-2 Monday with a home 7-4 loss to Gray-New Gloucester.

“We lost focus, we didn’t play our game, we were lazy at the plate and our base running had some holes in it,” Coach Heath said.

Next: The Lakers travel to Kennebunk on Friday and Sacopee Valley on Monday. LR hosts Poland on Wednesday, May 7. All games are at 4 p.m.

TRACK & FIELD: Seeing what she has accomplished to date, one might wonder, “Can Kate Hall get any better?”

The answer is yes.

Hall’s results at the Cheverus Invitational last Wednesday were better than her first meet last season. She recorded an 18-5 in the long jump, and 12.25 seconds in the 100 meters, to reach the automatic qualifiers for the State Meet.

It was also a good day for Lexus Rodriguez, a first-time javelin thrower, whose toss sailed 116-feet, 3-inches.

“He has a decent shot at qualifying for States with a debut like that,” said Lake Region Coach Mark Snow.

In other action:

100 Meters: Matt Buchanan 13.61; Lexu Rodriguez 13.76; Niko Torres 14.49

400 Meters: Marcus Devoe 1:00.49 (personal record).

4X100 meter relay: Matt Buchanan, Niko Torres, Lexus Rodriguez and Marcus Devoe, 52.84

Long Jump: Lexus Rodriguez 15-1, Matt Buchanan 13-5.5, Niko Torres 12-5.

Triple Jump: Marcus Devoe 34-7.75.

Next: The Lakers open the regular season this Friday with a trip to Poland. The meet starts at 3:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help the Lakers during home meets on May 16 and May 31. Volunteers for May 16 will receive a Laker T&F t-shirt and helpers for May 31 will be paid (as it is the league championship). There is no experience necessary, but if you have a particular skill, then LR coaches can put it to use. For the May 16 meet, LR coaches mostly need help with measuring or raking at the field events. Please e-mail Coach Mark Snow (mark.snow@lakeregionschools.org) if you are interested.